Seals in Summer

Feeling the summer heat? Can’t wait to head to the water to cool off? Well, the Australian Fur Seals would probably have the same idea! They regulate their body temperature by entering the water just like us, but fur seals have a few other tricks up their sleeve to stay cool during summer.

Their thick fur is made up of two layers, the waterproof undercoat actually insulates them from the sun (and from cold water in winter). Once out of the water they can be seen lying in the direct hot sun, you would think they would be sizzling hot! However, thanks to the thick blubber under their skin, their body temperature stays relatively cool.

Mums and pups do often seek the cool shades of the caves and cliffs of Seal Rocks as well.

Fur seals also cool off in the rockpools and along the rocky shores of Seal Rocks. There you will find them sticking their flippers out of the water. There is a very good reason why they seem to be waving their flippers in the wind, they can send more blood to their flippers to release heat, and have a little snooze in the water at the same time!

Next time you visit Seal Rocks on our Seal Watching Cruise, check out how the fur seals stay cool, and give them a wave ;)